How religion might inform our conceptualisation of reality : a cognitive linguistic investigation

Abstract

The meaning-making process is a central focus of study of both Cognitive linguistics and religion. It is also a fundamental issue in studies on intertextuality. In this paper, I will look at how we are able to interpret theological intertexts by explaining intertextuality not only on the linguistic level, but also in terms of the underlying cognitive processes. To do this, I will specifically refer to the cognitive framework known as conceptual blending. I aim to show firstly that conceptual blending underpins intertextuality. Thus, intertextuality is not merely reliant on the linguistic interpretation of texts, but relies on cognitive processes such as conceptual blending which enable the interpretation or meaning-making process of intertextual texts. Secondly, investigating intertextual texts from a cognitive perspective reveals new inferences and the complex creativity involved in the meaning-making process. Thirdly, the meaning-making process is explained as being based on conceptual structures and processes rather than on purely linguistic structures and processes, and lastly, meaning is highly contextual and the meaningmaking process is influenced and structured by both conscious and unconscious knowledge, including our knowledge of societal or cultural myths and religions. The data I used is an article written by Maluleke, titled ‘Of collapsible coffins and ways of dying: the search for catholic contextuality in African perspective’ and some of its intertexts.